Press releases

VEOLIA WATER SOLUTIONS & TECHNOLOGIES SOUTH AFRICA TO UPGRADE BELLVILLE WASTEWATER WORKS

An artist's impression of the planned new membrane bioreactor plant at the Bellville WWTW

Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa, a subsidiary of Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, has been awarded a R187-million contract by the City of Cape Town's Department of Water & Sanitation, to upgrade and extend the treatment capacity at Bellville's wastewater treatment works (WWTW).

With this upgrade, the Bellville plant will feature the largest membrane bio-reactor (MBR) in the country to date; and its capacity will increase by 20 Ml/day, to 70 Mℓ/day (average dry weather flow - ADWF). The 20 Ml/day MBR will be separate from the existing activated sludge plant. Hence, during the construction period, the existing plant will not be impacted upon.

In addition, the design and build contract, including all mechanical and electrical works, will see Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa supply a new inlet works for the MBR plant, new biological reactors and six membrane trains. A new sludge dewatering facility will also be supplied, as well as an upgrade of the existing electrical and control systems infrastructure at the Bellville WWTW.

"The water produced has to meet strict quality requirements with regards to organic matter, viruses and bacteria removal, ammonia and suspended solids content. The submerged ultra-filtration membrane technology will increase capacity while producing excellent quality treated water, which will be reused as process water to industrial and commercial clients in the area," explains Abrie Wessels, Regional General Manager, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa, Paarl.

A membrane bioreactor plant at an installation in Europe.

The raw wastewater to the new plant will pass through coarse screens for degritting, before passing through fine screens and undergoing anaerobic, anoxic and aerobic treatment before undergoing ultra filtration and dewatering of sludge. OTV France, another subsidiary of Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies, will be providing design and commissioning support.

The client was looking for a design and build company with suitable experience, local representation and commercial backbone to deliver on their commitments. Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa has clearly demonstrated technical competence and a track record with turnkey project execution of this size during the tendering process, while being commercially competitive.

"With this capacity increase, the strain on the existing Bellville facility will reduce significantly and the effluent quality will improve. An added advantage will be the potential for the reuse of the effluent which will save the use of potable water.

Currently in the basic engineering design phase, the plant is due for commissioning in 2013. Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa will provide training and maintenance support for the first year of operation.

Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies South Africa is a Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies entity.

Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies(VWS), subsidiary of Veolia Water, is a leading design & build company and a specialized provider of technological solutions in water treatment. With over 9,500 employees in 57 countries, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies recorded revenue of €2.5 billion Euros in 2009.

Veolia Water, the water division of Veolia Environnement, is the world leader in water and wastewater services. Specialized in outsourcing services for municipal authorities, as well as industrial and service companies, Veolia Water provides water service to 95 million people and wastewater service to 66 million. With 95,789 employees in 66 countries, its 2009 revenue amounted to €12.5 billion.